Mid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know   Once again, the number one story in real estate this summer is mortgage rates. But unlike last year, when a surprise series of rate hikes from the Bank of Canada sent skittish buyers back to the sidelines, all signs now point to the opposite scenario. Instead of market-chilling rate hikes, economists now expect market-quickening rate cuts—possibly starting as soon as this month.1  That means the... [read more]

Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.  According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging.1 The reality is, Canadians routinely... [read more]

35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less   Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any major purchases before you close on your new home. A large outlay or additional line of credit could affect your... [read more]

Upgrade Your Home With These 2024 Design Trends One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas.  Even so, it’s always smart to think about the long-term impact those decisions might have on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials and finishes could... [read more]

Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024 Home buyers surprised everyone last spring when they shook off higher borrowing costs and showed up to new home sales in droves. The surge in competition for a still-limited pool of properties helped home prices pop and renewed sellers' confidence in their ability to get top dollar for a home. But experts caution that the 2024 housing market could unfold quite differently, especially if Canada's... [read more]